caution Archives

Winsage

July 28, 2025

UpDownTool lets you move from Windows 11 to Windows 10 in just 5 clicks – without losing any data

A new application called UpDownTool allows users to revert from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing programs, files, drivers, or settings. Many users are dissatisfied with Windows 11 due to sluggish performance, a less intuitive interface, increased system requirements, and the removal of familiar features. Microsoft has limited options for downgrading, typically allowing a 10-day rollback period or requiring a clean install. UpDownTool simplifies the process by enabling users to transition to Windows 10 LTSC 2021 while preserving core data and configurations. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is designed for long-term deployment and receives extended updates, with support for the IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition lasting until January 2032. The LTSC edition does not include preinstalled applications like the Microsoft Store and Cortana, making it appealing for users seeking a minimalist experience. UpDownTool can also repair existing Windows 10 LTSC installations or convert other editions to LTSC. Users must be cautious of licensing implications, as LTSC licenses are typically not available through consumer channels. The downgrade process involves downloading the installer and executing a batch script, with the system booting into Windows 10 LTSC 2021 upon completion. Users are advised to back up important files before proceeding.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Luto Has Been Released For PC & Consoles This Week

Luto is a psychological horror game available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It features a first-person narrative centered on themes of loss and anxiety within a haunted home. Players navigate shifting environments filled with hidden secrets and horror encounters driven by phobias. The game allows for narrative-driven exploration, where players can unravel the story at their own pace using sound, symbolism, and fragmented memories. The free demo of Luto has been updated by indie developer Broken Bird Games in collaboration with publishers Selecta Play and Astrolabe Games. The game was officially announced during the Future Games Show 2025 showcase.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

6 power user Registry tweaks I use to make Windows more tolerable, and you should too

Windows 11 is praised for its refinement but has quirks. The Registry can enhance user experience, but incorrect modifications can cause instability, so backing up keys is essential. To disable automatic updates, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a key named WindowsUpdate, another key called AU, and a DWORD (32-bit) Value named NoAutoUpdate with a value of 1. Restart the PC to check for updates manually. To disable the Home page in Settings, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer, create a String Value named SettingsPageVisibility with value data set to hide:home, and restart. To remove Bing results from Search, modify the Registry at ComputerHKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows by creating a key named Explorer and a DWORD (32-bit) Value called DisableSearchBoxSuggestions with a value of 1. Restart the machine. To disable the lock screen, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a key named Personalization, and a DWORD (32-bit) Value called NoLockScreen with a value of 1. Restart for quicker sign-ins. To speed up shutdowns, adjust the WaitToKillServiceTimeout service in the Registry at ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl by changing the WaitToKillService value from 5000 milliseconds to 3000 or 2000 milliseconds. To enable verbose mode, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem and create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named VerboseStatus with a value of 1.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Russia launches new messenger app that can spy on citizens

Russia is set to unveil a new device featuring an application called Max, which integrates messaging, video calls, payments, and access to government services. There are concerns about potential state surveillance due to data being stored on Russian servers, which could be accessed by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The possible ban on WhatsApp may drive users to adopt Max as their primary communication tool. Critics argue that Max represents a shift towards increased digital control, potentially compromising personal freedoms by combining communication and government services in one platform.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

If you loved Baldur’s Gate 3 then you probably shouldn’t pick up this $10 bundle of incredibly crusty D&D games, but if you’re cool you should

Humble has released the Dungeons and Dragons: Classic Collection, featuring a selection of early '90s RPGs for £7.40, which includes around 30 titles. The collection consists of games such as Forgotten Realms: The Archives, Dungeons & Dragons: Krynn Series, and DragonStrike. A £3.70 option is available for access to select titles. The games may feel outdated and differ from modern RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3, leaning more towards dungeon crawler elements and kingdom management.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Malicious Android Apps Mimic as Popular Indian Banking Apps Steal Login Credentials

Attackers are exploiting India's reliance on digital financial services by distributing counterfeit Android applications resembling those of public and private banks. This campaign, detected on April 3, 2025, employs methods like smishing texts, QR codes, and search-engine manipulation to trick users into sideloading malicious software. Within 48 hours of discovery, over 7,000 devices attempted to connect to a specific Firebase Cloud Messaging endpoint. The malware uses permissions to bypass security measures, capture one-time passwords, and gain insights into installed applications for overlay attacks. It collects sensitive information such as phone numbers and CVVs, which are uploaded to a private database. The malware also enables call forwarding to the attacker's number and maintains persistence through various tactics. The infection mechanism involves a dropper that installs a secondary APK silently, evading detection by not displaying a launcher icon. Security experts recommend enhanced phishing detection and real-time sandbox analysis to combat these threats.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Over 250 malicious apps found targeting Android users in worrying attack – here’s how to stay safe

Researchers from Zimperium zLabs have discovered an extortion scheme involving over 250 fraudulent dating applications targeting Android users. These apps request extensive permissions to steal sensitive personal files, threatening victims with the release of their private information unless they comply with extortion demands. Many of the associated domains have been indexed by search engines, making it difficult for users to identify the apps as fraudulent. None of the identified apps were available on the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps from unfamiliar sources, review permissions regularly, and consider installing mobile security solutions.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s not the only reason NVIDIA’s Arm chips are delayed — but Windows deserves part of the blame

NVIDIA's Arm processors, initially expected to launch this year, are now delayed until next year due to factors such as setbacks in Microsoft's operating system roadmap, ongoing revisions at NVIDIA, and a decline in notebook market demand. The upcoming N1 series is anticipated to rival the RTX 4070 laptop GPU in performance while offering improved energy efficiency, with speculation about a 65W processor matching a 120W RTX 4070. There are rumors of chips with thermal design power (TDP) of 80W or 120W. The introduction of the N1 series is expected to diversify options in the Arm market, competing with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. Earlier reports indicated millions of N1X chips were to ship in Q4 2025, followed by N1 processors in 2026, but this timeline has shifted. The processors are being developed in collaboration with MediaTek and could disrupt the computing landscape, with projections suggesting readiness by late 2026 and a potential announcement at CES 2027.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Call of Duty is firmly in its slop era, and now it’s Battlefield 6’s game to lose

Many players have expressed discontent with the introduction of cartoonish skins in recent Call of Duty titles, marking a departure from the franchise's established identity. This has sparked discussions about the future of the series and a desire for a return to a more grounded military shooter experience, potentially benefiting Battlefield 6. Recent playtests for Battlefield 6 have shown promising results with gritty urban maps and enhanced destruction mechanics, while avoiding whimsical elements. EA aims for 100 million players with a full-priced game and a free battle royale mode, raising sustainability concerns. Additionally, the decision to allow all classes to access the same weapons in Battlefield 6 faced backlash, leading to an open beta announcement to address player feedback. The gaming community is watching to see if Battlefield can reclaim its status in the military shooter genre.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Threat Actors Blend Click Fraud Apps and Malware to Steal Android Credentials

Security researchers at Trustwave SpiderLabs have identified a complex cluster of Android malware that combines click fraud, credential theft, and brand impersonation. This malware exploits the Android Package Kit (APK) file format to distribute malicious applications, often through phishing messages or deceptive websites. Users are tricked into installing these APKs, which are disguised as reputable brands or promotional apps. Once installed, the malware takes advantage of Android's permission model to access sensitive resources, primarily for click fraud and traffic redirection to generate illicit revenue. Some variants engage in data collection and credential harvesting, employing advanced evasion tactics to avoid detection, such as using counterfeit Chrome applications and overlay screens. A notable variant includes a spoofed Facebook app that mimics the official interface and connects to a remote command-and-control server for instructions. The malware uses encryption and encoding to secure data exchanges and employs open-source tools to bypass Android's signature verification. Evidence suggests that the operators may be Chinese-speaking, as indicated by the use of Simplified Chinese in the code and the promotion of related APK campaigns on Chinese-speaking underground forums.